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Material Science Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Allogene Therapeutics

MSAT Data Science Engineer

Newark, CA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

... starting materials • Able to apply and develop advanced technologies, scientific principles ... Engineering, Process Development and IT to ensure cross-functional alignment • Closely partner ...

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All JobsMaterial Science Engineer JobsMaterial Science Engineer Jobs in California

Material Science Engineer information

See California salary details

$37.5K

$99.4K

$155.9K

How much do material science engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for material science engineer in California is $99,419.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,000.00 and $115,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a material science engineer?

To thrive as a Material Science Engineer, you need a solid background in materials engineering, chemistry, and physics, usually supported by a degree in materials science or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory analysis tools, materials characterization instruments (like SEM, XRD), and simulation software (such as MATLAB or ANSYS) is commonly required. Problem-solving, analytical thinking, and effective collaboration are crucial soft skills for innovating and working on multidisciplinary projects. These competencies ensure the development of advanced materials and solutions that meet industry standards and drive technological progress.

What is the difference between Material Science Engineer vs Materials Engineer?

AspectMaterial Science EngineerMaterials Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Materials Science, Engineering, or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing facilities, R&D departmentsManufacturing plants, R&D labs, quality control
Industry UsageResearch, development, testing of new materialsMaterial selection, processing, and quality assurance

Both roles focus on materials, but Material Science Engineers primarily engage in research and development of new materials, while Materials Engineers often work on applying and processing materials in manufacturing. The roles overlap in credentials and work environments, but their core responsibilities differ slightly.

What are the most common challenges material science engineers face when working on cross-functional project teams?

Material Science Engineers often collaborate with professionals from mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing disciplines, which can present challenges in aligning technical requirements and timelines. Communication gaps may arise due to differences in technical language or priorities, making it essential to clearly convey material properties and limitations. Successfully navigating these challenges typically involves proactive collaboration, flexibility, and a willingness to learn about related fields to ensure project goals are met and innovative solutions are developed.

Are material science engineers in demand?

Material science engineers are in demand due to their expertise in developing new materials for industries such as aerospace, automotive, and electronics. The field offers growth opportunities, especially for those skilled in nanotechnology, polymers, and composites, with employment prospects driven by innovation and technological advancement.

What is a material science engineer?

Material Science Engineers are professionals who study, develop, and test materials used to create a wide range of products, from electronics to medical devices to construction materials. They apply principles of chemistry, physics, and engineering to understand how materials behave and how they can be improved or adapted for specific uses. Their work often involves researching new materials, analyzing their properties, and collaborating with other engineers or scientists to solve complex problems. Material Science Engineers play a crucial role in advancing technology and making products safer, stronger, and more efficient.

What are popular job titles related to Material Science Engineer jobs in California?

For Material Science Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Material Science Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Material Science Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Material Science Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Material Science Engineer job openings:

Material Science Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Material Science Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,419 per year, or $47.8 per hour.

Senior Materials and Surface Science Engineer

nEye.ai

Santa Clara, CA

$230K - $270K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

About us

nEye.ai, a well-funded optical switch startup, is poised to revolutionize the future of data centers. nEye’s MEMS-based silicon photonics optical circuit switches (OCS) eliminate critical bottlenecks in AI processing by enabling direct optical connections among thousands of GPUs and memory units. The company's OCS is an ultra-low power consumption, high radix, compact chip-scale design, offering hyperscale data centers enhanced performance, efficiency, and scalability.

Job Overview

We are looking for a senior individual contributor with deep expertise in materials science and surface chemistry as it applies to semiconductor fabrication and optical systems.

This role is critical to understanding and improving how fabrication processes at the material and interface level impact optical performance in our silicon photonics devices.

You will work across design, process, and test to analyze, diagnose, and improve material interfaces, thin films, and surface interactions that directly affect device behavior, reliability, and yield.

Key Responsibilities

  • Investigate how surface chemistry and material interfaces in silicon-based photonic and MEMS material systems impact performance

  • Analyze effects of etching, deposition, oxidation, and plasma processes on surface states, morphology, and optical mechanisms

  • Partner with design and process teams to translate material-level insights into improved device performance and manufacturability

  • Lead investigations connecting fabrication outcomes to device-level optical and mechanical performance

  • Design and interpret experiments involving thin films, interfaces, and surface treatments (e.g., passivation, cleaning, annealing)

  • Collaborate with fabrication partners on process evaluation and optimization

  • Utilize and guide characterization efforts using techniques such as SEM, TEM, AFM, XPS, ellipsometry, SIMS, etc.

  • Develop models or frameworks that connect process to material properties and optical outcomes

Required Qualifications

  • PhD in Materials Science, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field

  • 7 - 15+ years of experience in semiconductor, photonics, or adjacent advanced materials environments

  • Deep understanding of surface chemistry and interface physics in semiconductor systems

  • Expertise in dielectric and semiconductor thin films and metallization.

  • Strong knowledge of plasma processes, etching, deposition, oxidation, and their impact on materials

  • Strong intuition for how material properties affect optical phenomena

  • Experience working in or closely with semiconductor fabs / foundries

  • Hands-on experience with failure analysis and materials characterization techniques

Nice to Have Skills

  • Direct experience with silicon photonics or optical devices

  • Familiarity with waveguides, optical interfaces, or photonic integration

  • Experience in MEMS fabrication or integration

  • Background in process development or integration engineering

  • Exposure to modeling optical-material interactions

Starting salary and title will depend on, and be commensurate with, relevant industry experience, skills, training, education, market demands, and the ultimate job duties and requirements.
nEye.ai is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.